Comments from Owner Guestbook

Alain & Nicole's cottage in the hamlet of Thizay was a delightful surprise. Located just outside the larger city of Chinon, it was an ideal location to visit the Western Loire Valley. The TGV to Tours, Avis rental car to Thizay----50 minutes, a relatively easy drive.

Turning in their private drive, we knew that we had made a great choice. The landscaping was gorgeous and the cottage right out of "Architect's Digest" magazine. Alain greeted us and showed us around. Everything in the cottage was so perfect. Beautifully decorated, top of the line kitchen, and a king sized bed (a rarity in Europe).

A bottle of Vouvray was chilling and a huge platter of fruit &vegetables from Nicole's garden, along with her tapanade and jelly, awaited. A later trip to Alain's wine cellar was a speciel treat.

There are many excellent restaurants and attractions in the area......several brochures and maps made available in the cottage, along with Alain's recommendations.

Our hosts were right next door, however they had the marvelous knack of allowing us our privacy while still making themselves available to help us when needed. We were only there a week, but we wished we had arranged to stay longer. We truly hope to return on future trips to the area.

We have visited France several times before. Although we have paid considerably more for accommodations in the past, I don't believe we ever had such a thoroughly pleasant experience as this cottage in Thizay. The property and it's resident owners were a true delight to find. We give thanks to the internet for making these rare jewels of travel available to those willing to break away from the beaten path of larger cities.

We thoroughly recommend the property. I cannot understate our commitment with our decision to go there....as we view our photos upon our return to the United States, I see even clearer what a special place Alain andNicole have made available.

We had a great stay in Alain and Nicole's cottage, in heart of Touraine, very close to world famous castles (Azay le Rideau, Fontevraud, Villandry etc.) and reputed vineyards.
The cottage is very well equiped and very nicely decorated, showing a great sense of harmony and taste, thanks to Alain's past experience in architecture. We enjoyed the quiet garden especially for a snap and the patio for breakfast and diner with Nicole's fantastic homemade marmelade and tapenade. We appreciate the strawberries and zucchini from the garden, nothing to do with what you could find in supemarket. Great thanks to our hosts for their useful advice and warm welcome. We strongly recommend this place for a peaceful and relaxing stay in one of the most beautiful region of France.

We have stayed in many excellent self catering properties, but none that were so well equipped and stylish as this. It is very well located for chateaux and Chinon is delightful and easily accessible. This stylish property is beautifully set in very pretty gardens.

Our hosts, Nicole and Alan, could not have been kinder or more charming. We were provided with wine, fruit, jam, tapenade and jam - all delicious. Nicole and Alan are very helpful but never obtrusive.

We took our sixteen year old daughter and friend - they stayed in the little house and adored it. An ideal arrangement! We all returned relaxed and happy! Thank you so much Alan and Nicole.

Situated in a quiet but picturesque valley yet only 10 minutes from Chinon the property exceeded all our expectations. Both the main house and cottage were beautifully designed and maintained by the charming owners to the highest standard and included homemade jams and tapenade and wine made from their own vines in addition to a generous welcoming bottle of sparkling Vouvray and fruit bowl. As a base for exploring the Chateaux of the Loire and sampling the produce of local vineyards not to mention the nearby villages this gite is in the ideal location.

We stayed in this lovely gite for a week in August 2008. It is very well-designed and equipped and is in a very peaceful location yet only 10 minutes from Chinon and all its amenities. The location is perfect for visiting many chateaux in the Loire Valley, Fontevraud Abbey, lovely villages. The owners are absolutely charming. On arrival the fridge was stocked with a bottle of wine and home-made tapenade. During our stay the owners also shared with us fruit & vegetables from the garden and wine made from grapes on their land. All in all, a wonderful place to stay.

We have been visiting France for more than 20 years and having stayed in many Gites of varying standards we have after many years possibly found the finest of all. The property was as perfect as shown in the pictures on the web site and lacked nothing less than you would expect from the combined talents of an architect and an interior designer.It is a 'home from home' and an excellent location for the many historic sites the region has to offer.
Frank and Jane

Thank you for your kindness and your most gracious hospitality. The lovely marmalade and tapenade from Nicole were gorgeous ... We have had such a great week and feel totally relaxed. Your house is beautiful, as is the whole of the Loire Valley ..... It will be a delight to see you again. Most of all, thank you for your patience in listening to my clumsy attempts in French. Vive la France.
Paul and Sharon, Yorkshire, June 2008.

"...nous avons passé un séjour très agréable au sein de votre gîte, merveilleusement bien aménagé et niché dans une petite vallée très belle et fort calme... Merci encore pour vos délicates attentions... Nous partons à regret et reviendrons avec grand plaisir..."
- Corentin, Solène, Xavier et Sandra - France août 2008 -